The Best Climate Change Articles Written by Sitting US Senators

As the climate debate heats up in the Senate, we thought it'd be a fine opportunity to round up the best climate writing done on the bill so far--by the Senators themselves. These 3 articles are required reading for anyone interested in the climate legislation saga. Without further ado, here are the 3 must read op-eds on climate change by US Senators.1. Yes We Can (Pass Climate Change Legislation)This op-ed, written by John Kerry (D-MA) and Lindsay Graham (R-SC), marked the beginning of the move to garner bipartisan support for the bill. It hit on the big themes: achieving energy independence, cutting back our dependence on foreign oil, and growing jobs in a clean energy economy.

Sample:

Our partnership represents a fresh attempt to find consensus that adheres to our core principles and leads to both a climate change solution and energy independence. It begins now, not months from now -- with a road to 60 votes in the Senate.

2. Clean Energy is an Easy ChoiceThis blog post, written by Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR), is an emphatic call to action that highlights the necessity of passing climate legislation. Merkley demonstrates a better understanding of climate issues than almost any senator on the Hill--I've heard him discuss the issues in person--and his piece is a definite must read.

Sample:

It's a choice between clean air or dirty air.

It's a choice between creating jobs here in America or shipping those jobs overseas.

It's a choice between strengthening our national security or remaining addicted to foreign oil.

3. Telling the Whole Story on Global WarmingSenator Barbara Boxer (D-CA), the other author of the Senate climate bill, wrote a great piece in the Huffington Post that goes a long way in debunking many of the still-held myths about climate change legislation. She tackles the threat of climate change itself more than her peers, and does so accurately and eloquently.

Sample:

We are at a crossroads. We can choose a future in which we face the ravages -- and the costs -- of unchecked global warming, while other nations gain the jobs and the economic benefits of investing in clean energy technologies. Or we can act now to transform our economy, create millions of new American jobs, and lead the world in developing and exporting in clean energy technologies while protecting our children from dangerous pollution.

As the climate debate heats up in the Senate, we thought it'd be a fine opportunity to round up the best climate writing done on the bill so far--by the Senators themselves. These 3 articles are required reading for anyone